What you’ll learn
Anthropology explores how, when and where human life began, and examines human behaviour, cultures, history and social organisation. It attempts to answer some of the big questions about what it is to be human.
Degree courses will usually dip into most of these areas before allowing students to specialise in social and cultural anthropology or biological anthropology. The first takes a more sociological route, examining societies, economies, religions and cultures around the world; the latter looks at the science behind how human beings evolved and how differences emerged in different regions. So you could find yourself examining the music of the Efe people in Africa one day and the corporate culture of the banking industry the next.
If your course includes biological anthropology, you may need A-level (or equivalent) in biology. Sociology could help your application. Some courses allow you to combine your anthropological studies with programmes in cultural studies, media, history, art, politics, economics and archaeology, ethnomusicology or foreign-language training.
How you’ll learn
Expect tutorials, lectures, seminars and laboratory classes. You will often get the chance to debate complex ideas through discussion groups. Many courses will also require you to do fieldwork as part of a research project, which could involve a trip overseas – Durham University takes students to South Africa to collect data on samango monkeys, for example.
What are the entry requirements?
Entry requirements vary, depending partly on course content. If your chosen programme includes biological anthropology, you may need an A-level (or equivalent) in biology. Sociology could also help your application.
What job can I get?
There are lots of career options. You might want to work as a journalist, documentary film-maker, museum assistant or librarian. You would also be equipped to apply for work in the voluntary sector, as a charity fundraiser or as a community or overseas development worker, for example. If you want to do further study, you could become a social researcher, lecturer or information scientist.
You should leave university able to engage with a variety of cultures and populations, and to recognise different forms of communication and ways of thinking about the world – all of which are attractive skills for future employers.